Prick Spur (Left)

Unknown

19th century · Iron, silver, coral · Arms and Armor

The prick spurs traditionally used in most of the Islamic world evolved directly from late Antique examples. They consist of straight U-shaped branches bearing a very long prick with sometimes a disc at its base. The flat loop at the top of the heel is used for attaching the strap going around the ankle. Here the latter and the left side of the spur are adorned with silver foil bands chiseled with vegetal scrolls and inlaid with coral cabochons, a type of decoration also found on Algerian Berber jewelry as well. Traditionally, Moroccan riders take great pride in their horses and still frequently adorn them with shiny and colorful tack for parades and festivals. Wealthy riders would increase their prestige by covering their mount with luxurious material and equipping themselves with as luxurious matching accessories.

Artist

Unknown

Date

19th century

Medium

Iron, silver, coral

Culture

Algerian

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935